"Clara, Linda, Andrea, Brad and Family, When people speak of the members of the Greatest Generation, a "true southern gentleman" and a fine family man... Jim is who they're talking about. He knew me since I was a youngster and treated me and my family with such kindness, respect and love until the day he died. We are honored to have received the love of such a great man. We would do anything for you Clara and family... just say the word. With love and condolences, John, Sherri, Ruthi, Hannah and Audrey Kuhl"
In loving memory of
James R. Keeton
January 26, 1925 - March 19, 2016
James Robert Keeton (Jim), 91, of Austin, Texas, slipped peacefully away at about the time the last cool front of the winter blew in on March 19, 2016.
Jim was born in Three Sands, Oklahoma on January 26, 1925 to Earnest and Willie Belle Keeton. He graduated from Enid High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. Jim attended and played football for Tulane University from 1946 to 1949, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Education. Years later, Jim returned to earn a Doctorate of Education from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1975.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Clara Mae Deal on April 1, 1945. After working as a teacher and a football coach for a few years, Jim worked in the Oil Business in Port Neches, Texas. Fortunately for many, he returned to coaching. Jim was a beloved teacher and football coach in several Texas cities including Alice, Kennedy, Odessa, McAllen and Mission. Clara stuck by his side with several coaching moves and is still a football enthusiast. After earning his Doctorate, Jim and Clara settled in Austin, Texas, where he served as Director of Health Occupation for the state of Texas for the Texas Education Agency until his retirement.
The focus and joy of Jims life was his beloved wife, Clara. They were married for almost 71 years before his death. For the past several years, Clara was not only Jims one and only, but also his caretaker. Their love for each other shone through his very last day. Jim and Claras beautiful relationship as man and wife was evident to all and a perfect model for their children and grandchildren.
Oh, did Jim love to dance! After his coaching days were over, he and Clara finally had time to spend dancing together. They were regulars at Donns Depot almost every Tuesday for several years and loved Country music and dancing.
Jim is survived by his wife, Clara, and his sister, Dorothy Cochran of Enid, Oklahoma. Jim leaves behind his daughter, Linda Dews (husband Tommy) son, Brad Keeton (wife Mary Kay), and daughter, Andrea Irby (husband Skip). Also left behind are 5 grandchildren, Derek Dews (wife Stephanie), Brant Dews, T. Brad Keeton (wife Addie), Paige K. Holden (husband Andrew) and Christopher Irby as well as nieces Kathy Keeton, Jan (Rick) Ronck, Jill (Matt) Frye, and his brother Johns daughters, Sharon, Karen and Debbie. His legacy also includes several great grandchildren including Amber, Jacob, Calvin, Britton, Cambree, Carly, Cameron and Tucker. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be sorely missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Willie Belle Keeton, brother, John Wesley Keeton and wife Shirley, Uncle Bob and Aunt Pearl Keeton, and his beloved brother-in-law, Howard Cochran.
A visitation will be held from 4pm to 6pm Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Harrell
Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, Texas.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 3pm on Monday, March 21 at Oak Bluff Cemetery in Port Neches, Texas with Reverend Welborn of First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Harrell Funeral Home, Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association and the Alzheimers Association. The family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale Westlake Hills Skilled Nursing Facility for their attentive and loving care.
Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
Tributes
"Dear Keeton family, I am so sad for your deep loss of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather. He was always so kind and sweet and it was so obvious to everyone around how much he loved each of you and cared for others. Please know prayers and loving thoughts are being sent your way. Love you all, Becky Johnson Hull"
"Hi Andrea, I was sorry to read about your dad in the paper. He was a good guy. Tell your mom and everyone in the family hello. I haven't seen you in a long time. I hope you're okay. Send me an email when time allows and tell me how you're doing. 1927greg@gmail.com"
"I was hired by Dr. Keeton to be his secretary for Health Occupation's in the early 1980's. I moved on to other jobs in the agency but never forgot working for him. Dr. Kenton was an incredible leader, respectful to everyone who worked for him and with him and a true gentleman. My prayers are with his family."